In a major boost to women’s dignity and social reform, the Odisha government has officially notified the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana 2025-2030, offering a comprehensive ₹51,000 assistance package to economically weaker brides across the state.
Under the scheme, every eligible bride will receive:
- Rs 35,000 directly transferred to her bank account
- Rs 10,000 worth of wedding kit (clothes, utensils, and essentials)
- Rs 6,000 for community-level marriage ceremony arrangements
The scheme, effective from the financial year 2025-26 until 2029-30, marks a significant expansion of earlier marriage assistance programmes. Following directions from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in May 2025, widow remarriage has been explicitly included – a progressive step applauded by women’s rights activists.
Who is eligible?
- Brides aged 18–35 years and grooms aged 21–35 years
- Families belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), ST/SC communities, widows, persons with disabilities, or annual income below the poverty line
- One-time benefit per family; no overlap with other marriage assistance schemes
- Strict verification through district-level SUBHADRA committees
The primary objectives are crystal clear: eradicate dowry practices, prevent child and forced marriages, and ensure every girl from a humble background can have a culturally dignified wedding without burdening her family.
The scheme will be implemented through the existing SUBHADRA framework, ensuring transparency and last-mile delivery. Applications will open in January 2025.
With this initiative, Odisha joins the list of progressive states taking concrete steps to reform age-old marriage practices while protecting the most vulnerable sections of society.
